The Story of Ferdinand

I have fond memories of watching the Ferdinand cartoon when I was younger, but never read the book until about a year ago when I was at the book store with my daughter. We were looking for new titles to get, and there I saw it- the red book with a bull smelling a flower. There was no mistaking who that was! The Story of Ferdinand is one I'll never forget, especially now that I've finally read the original story here. This book is a quick read, and has incredibly enjoyable illustrations that are sure to win the hearts of children and adults alike. Ferdinand was a little bull who was unlike the others. Instead of running around and butting heads with the others, he would just go off to his favorite spot and smell the flowers. This concerns his mother at first, since she thought he might be lonely, but he simply explains that he wants to sit quietly and smell the flowers.Time goes on and he grows up to be a strong bull. He hasn't changed though, and continues his hobby. One day, however, he doesn't notice a bee on a flower that he's about to sit down on. At the same time, there are men searching for the meanest, toughest bull they can find for the bull fights. Once stung, Ferdinand goes nuts and starts running around, thrashing about. The men are excited and take him off to be used in the fight with the matador. Fight time arrives and the crowd can't wait. Unfortunately for them, Ferdinand is oblivious to everything, and sits out in the middle of the ring. He takes a big breath, smelling the flowers in the hair of the women watching from their seats. The men who are set to fight him become enraged because, no matter how hard they try to get him riled up, Ferdinand just sits there, peaceful. Eventually the matador breaks down and cries, not being able to show off with his cape and sword. Ferdinand is taken back home, and to this day, he's still under his favorite tree, smelling the flowers. This is a very straightforward book, and can be finished in just a couple of minutes. The story itself is a nice one, and I enjoy the ending, but it's the illustrations that help make it more special. Robert Lawson has this unique style here of having what he draws become more detailed at the point of focus, while being more minimalist everywhere else. Look at the backgrounds he draws, and a mountain is simply made up of plain lines on the sides, then becomes very detailed in the center. He does the same with Ferdinand's tree on the hill and it looks wonderful. Keeping everything in black and white was a good idea. And who can't help but laugh when they see the look on Ferdinand's face when he sits on the bee? I'm really surprised that hasn't become an internet meme by now. As far as I can see, there's nothing objectionable in the book that might upset kids. It's never mentioned what the bull fighters are really trying to do- it's only mentioned that they're going to "stick" the bull and make him mad, while the matador is there to "stick the bull last of all". Overall, this is a pleasant story and features a few bits of text that stick out. My favorite being early on after Ferdinand's mother talks to him about playing with the others: His mother saw that he was not lonesome, and because she was an understanding mother, even though she was a cow, she let him just sit there and be happy. It's simple, but nice, and really helps set the tone for the rest of the story. The Story of Ferdinand is a book that just about everyone can enjoy, and one we'll definitely hold on to.

My boys (ages 6 and 2) love this book. They ask to read it again and again.

Cute little story for my grandchildren

This book is a classic that kids love. The pictures are perfect, the read is interesting and it teaches kids a valuable lesson. Can't say enough good things about this book.

Classic timeless book. Bought for six-year-old's birthday party. It came fast and was exactly what I was looking for.

Great story

Heard my son talking to my grandson about how much he liked the Ferdinand movie so I bought this book. My son reads it to him all of the time!

Love this book! We purchased it for our nephews 4 th birthday! It is the 75th anniversary of this story! He loved it! Story is about a gentle bull and his love of peace! More children need to read this!